| Sunny days and time off leads a person down the | | | | and methods on the market today that will securely |
| Old River Trail on the Buffalo River. After a river | | | | fasten tack safely. Buckles are easier to use and look |
| crossing you start to slow down your horse and | | | | good. Nickel plated ones are on most of the less |
| there is not response to the tug on the reins. In fact | | | | expensive tack. Stainless steel is the best you can |
| it seems like they are not attached to any thing. | | | | find. |
| Hopefully with out a runaway you get stopped and | | | | Whether or not your choice is traditional leather, |
| dismounted. Looking the situation over, the Chicago | | | | nylon, bio-thane, or braided horse hair, safety should |
| screw attachment that holds the bit to the headstall | | | | be first and foremost in your mind when you are |
| is gone leaving you with out steering and brakes for | | | | riding the many wonderful trails in our country. Check |
| your mount. | | | | for leather dry rot, rusting or worn hardware, torn or |
| Chances are your headstall was put together using | | | | cut nylon, and correct fit of your tack. |
| Chicago screws. They are not the safest way to put | | | | Carry several repair items with you. A pocket knife, |
| together a headstall, reins, or in my opinion any part | | | | small pliers, a multi-purpose tool is always nice. A small |
| of tack that depends on your control of a horse. | | | | ziplock bag will easily hold leather lacing, a ball of hay |
| There may be a pretty conchoe on the top side but | | | | string, extra Chicago screws, even a small hole punch. |
| the screw that holds things together is prone to | | | | It is easier to be prepared for small incidents than to |
| coming loose. They are not secured unless they are | | | | have the little things turn your ride into a memory |
| sealed with lock tight or fingernail polish, Check your | | | | you do not want to remember |
| headstall and reins, if you have Chicago screws be | | | | There is a link at the end of the article for a page |
| sure to have some hay string or leather strips to use | | | | illustrating different methods used to attach bits to |
| for emergency closure.There are a variety of buckles | | | | headstalls. |